Please Note: You are viewing the non-styled version of Ohio.gov. Either your browser does not support Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) or it is disabled. We suggest upgrading your browser to the latest version of your favorite Internet browser.
Columbus, Ohio – A few fish species have lower chemical levels and can be consumed more often according to the 2008 fish consumption advisory issued by Ohio EPA, the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Lake Erie walleye 23 inches and larger used to be under a one-meal-a-month limit in the advisory and can now be eaten once a week. The weekly limit is consistent with a statewide advisory for all fish. Lake Erie channel catfish 16 inches and over also have been upgraded from "do not eat" to a limit of one meal every two months.
The advisory for Ohio River flathead catfish 20 inches and over and smallmouth buffalo 24 inches and over has changed from one meal every two months to one meal per month. Larger sizes of fish species have lived longer, therefore accumulating more chemicals in fish tissue, explaining why some advisories apply only to bigger fish.
Ohio has issued annual fish consumption advisories for 15 years to help Ohio sports fishermen decide how to safely eat their catch. The 2008-2009 Ohio fishing season begins tomorrow.
Several species of fish studied need more stringent advisories for the following water bodies: Dow Lake, East Fork Lake, Lake Erie, Little Miami River, Mahoning River, Muskingum River, Ohio River and West Branch Reservoir. The type and size of fish, sections of water bodies, and chemicals of concern are listed on the attached charts.
A statewide advisory of one meal per week for most fish remains in place due to mercury. Mercury poses the greatest risk for women of child-bearing age, pregnant and nursing mothers and children under 15. Fish contaminated with high levels of mercury have been shown to cause neurological damage and impaired development of young children. More detailed information about fish consumption can be found at Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Centers, local health departments, Ohio Department of Natural Resources district offices or Ohio EPA offices.
Fish consumption advisory contact information will be provided for anglers with their fishing licenses in the Ohio Fishing Regulations booklet beginning on March 1, 2008. For more details on all fish advisories issued in Ohio, consult Ohio EPA's Web site at: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/fishadvisory/index.html, or call 1-800-755-4769 or (614) 644-2160.
Ohio EPA partners with the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to develop consumption advisories for fish caught in Ohio. Fish consumption advisories are updated annually based on processed samples collected during the previous fishing season. For the latest advisory, Ohio EPA and ODNR collected 391 samples. The information helps Ohio's fishing community make informed decisions about consuming their catch. To learn more about fish and shellfish purchased outside Ohio, please visit the federal government Web site: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sea-mehg.html.
Top | More Ohio EPA Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that the Ohio Board of Regents and the Ohio Department of Education will begin requesting proposals from teams of public high schools and colleges who are interested in becoming "early adopters" of the Seniors to Sophomores program.
Seniors to Sophomores is a dual enrollment program, announced by Strickland in his 2008 State of the State address, which enables qualified high school seniors to get an early jump on college.
"In order for Ohio to be competitive for the jobs of the future, we must increase the number of Ohioans with college degrees to ensure our state has the best-educated workforce," Strickland said. "Seniors to Sophomores will give high school seniors the opportunity to graduate from high school with a diploma in one hand and a college transcript in the other. These students will know they can be successful in college and will leave high school with the confidence and credits to continue their higher education to receive a college degree."
Seniors to Sophomores allows high school seniors, who meet academic standards, to take college level courses that will be transferable to public colleges and universities in the University System of Ohio. Students who elect to take a full load of college courses in their senior year will be able to enter college on a second-year level, or as college sophomores. Tuition for the year will be free.
Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut asked to have the award process fast-tracked so the program can be available to as many high school seniors across Ohio this fall as possible. The pilot programs will be evaluated in 2009 for greater expansion the following school year.
"I hope to see a wide variety of partnerships that reach as many students as quickly as possible. Our best partnerships will be those that address the variety of barriers around our state that students face in earning college credit, and can become models for other partnerships with similar challenges. We have an opportunity here to implement a progressive program to make college more accessible and affordable," said Chancellor Fingerhut.
A total of $4 million is available under this special grant program. The maximum grant for each team is $100,000. Due to the source of the funds, eligibility is limited to public high schools, though the Seniors to Sophomores program will eventually serve all schools in Ohio, public and private. Funds may be used to plan for encouraging high school students to participate in all college-level programs, as well as implementation of Seniors to Sophomores.
"Early Adopter" school districts are responsible for ensuring that participating students are able to earn their high school diploma through this program. Applications for "Early Adopter" funding may be submitted from the school district – college partnerships beginning March 10.
If a student would like to participate in Seniors to Sophomores but does not attend an "Early Adopter" school, the Ohio Board of Regents will work directly with the student to either find a Seniors to Sophomores program nearby or find other college credit options that will provide the student with a full year's worth of college credit. Students can sign up for updates at http://universitysystem.ohio.gov/seniorstosophomores or can call 1-877-IATTAIN.
A Request for Applications [RFA] providing details for school districts interested in applying for "Early Adopter" incentive funds is posted at http://universitysystem.ohio.gov/seniorstosophomores.
Top | More Governor's Office Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – When filling out their taxes this year, Ohioans can make a difference in preserving the state's wealth of natural resources for generations to come.
Ice Age glaciers, old-growth woods, bogs and fens, endangered species, prairies and other remnants of Ohio's rich natural history are all protected by a system of 131 state nature preserves and 13 state scenic rivers. Contributions by thousands of Ohioans who donate to the Natural Areas State Income Tax Check-off Program help support this system.
At dozens of sites across the state, check-off donations have constructed trails and boardwalks, improved parking and allowed greater public access to a treasure trove of nature's wonders.
Helping to protect Ohio's state nature preserves is easy. A simple check next to Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species on line 19 (IT-1040EX) or line 27 (IT-1040) of the state income tax return form can help ensure these places are conserved for future generations.
Taxpayers who are not eligible to receive a refund may send a donation to the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves at 2045 Morse Road, Bldg. F-1, Columbus, OH 43229. For additional information, visit ohiodnr.com.
Top | More Ohio Department of Natural Resources News Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced Ohio has maintained its current strong bond ratings from Moody's, Fitch and Standard and Poor's.
Fitch and Standard and Poor's maintained Ohio's AA+ rating and Moody's has continued to assign Ohio an Aa1 rating.
"By acting quickly to address the $733 million budget shortfall and by continuing to make sound, fiscally responsible decisions, the State of Ohio continues to earn the trust and confidence of investors and the financial markets," Strickland said.
"Ohio's AA+ GO rating reflects its careful financial management, a demonstrated record of maintaining fiscal balance, and a moderate, rapidly amortizing debt burden," Fitch said in its report.
According to Standard and Poor's report, Ohio's AA+ rating took into consideration the 2008–2009 biennium budget that "preserves the budget stabilization reserve and continues tax reform initiatives but relies on substantial cost containment," and Ohio's "vast, broad, and diverse economic base, which is anchored by manufacturing and includes several regional centers and corporate headquarters, in addition to expanding service sectors."
Moody's said its rating reflects Ohio's "strong history of financial management" and "established practice of prompt action to address budgetary shortfalls."
"The bond ratings present an accurate picture of Ohio's economy at this time, including both our challenges and our achievements," Strickland said. "While we continue to confront the effects of the national economy on Ohio, we will continue to manage the state in a fiscally responsible manner while making needed investments to bring the jobs of the future to Ohio."
The rating services recognized the challenges the state is currently facing, including the loss of manufacturing jobs, the high number of home foreclosures, and, according to Moody's, "tax restructuring measures that have limited financial flexibility."
Standard and Poor's report outlined Strickland's proposed $1.7 billion investment in Ohio's economy. Building Ohio Jobs will generate $1.7 billion in bond sales to directly invest into the jobs of the future while making needed investments in our infrastructure to make Ohio an attractive place to do business.
According to Moody's, "Ohio has maintained a moderate debt burden relative to other states," ranking Ohio 21st in net tax–supported debt per capita and percentage of personal income. In Moody's 2007 State Debt Medians report Ohio amounted $974 per capita and 3 percent of personal income in net tax – supported debt.
"I will continue to work with the Ohio General Assembly to invest in Ohio," Strickland said. "And I believe the Building Ohio Jobs plan represents the best, most responsible approach to creating tens of thousands of new jobs in our great state."
The bond rating services assigned their ratings to the upcoming series of State of Ohio bonds to be issued by the Ohio Public Facilities Commission and the Ohio Building Authority in the next 30 days.
Top | More Governor's Office Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Tax Credit Authority has approved Job Creation Tax Credits for businesses involved in location or expansion projects that, if located in Ohio, are expected to contribute more than $30 million to Ohio's economy and create 303 positions for Ohioans.
"State assistance committed today will support investments and job creation in several of Ohio's key industries, including the biosciences, advanced energy, information technology, and manufacturing," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Smart investments in the global competitiveness of Ohio's economic climate, communities, and industries are essential to the future of our State."
ViewRay Incorporated, to be located in the Cleveland Metropolitan Area, has been awarded a 45 percent credit for a five-year term to establish a new facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $537,431 over the term, and the company will be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. ViewRay was founded in 2004 in Gainesville, Florida and currently employs 10 people. This project is backed by "blue-chip" biomedical venture capital investment companies including OrbiMed Advisors, LLC; Fidelity Biosciences; Kearny Venture Partners; and Aisling Capital. The company has recently raised $25 million in Round B financing. The company will invest in machinery and equipment and lease an existing 40,000 square-foot facility for the company's world headquarters for the assembly and testing of the Renaissance(TM) System 1000, ViewRay's Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guided Radiation Therapy technology. ViewRay will contribute to the growing biomedical cluster in Northeast Ohio by partnering with local imaging companies and leading Cancer Centers. Ohio is in competition with California, Georgia, and Massachusetts for this $14.5 million project, which is expected to create 93 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations.
PC Helps Support, LLC, to be located in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded a 40 percent credit for a five-year term to establish a new facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $214,799 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. PC Helps provides remote desktop application software support services to Fortune 1000 companies. The company works in partnership with its clients' Information Technology departments as both a Help Desk support enhancement as well as a remote training department for desktop application software. PC Helps was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in the Village of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, where it employs 200 people today. The company proposes to invest in machinery and equipment and lease 7,935 square feet of an existing building and make additional improvements to a portion of the building for a call center for remote desktop application software support services. Ohio is in competition with Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Missouri for this $180,000 project, which is expected to create 100 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations.
U.S. Corrugated, Inc., to be located in Lancaster (Fairfield County), has been awarded a 55 percent credit for a five-year term to establish a new facility. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $295,839 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years. U.S. Corrugated is a corrugated packaging manufacturer that was formed in August 2006 when its parent company acquired Linpac, Inc., which was comprised of a paper mill and five corrugated packaging plants in the southern United States. Shortly thereafter, the company further expanded following the acquisition of eight Longview Fiber locations, which increased the company's sales from $223 million to $420 million and employment from 500 to 1000. The company proposes to invest in new machinery and equipment and construction a new 300,000 square-foot facility that will be used to manufacture corrugated boxes. Ohio is in competition with Pennsylvania for this $25.5 million project, which is expected to create 110 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations.
The Job Creation Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit against the business corporate franchise or income tax. The credit equals a percentage of new state income tax withheld on new, full-time employees in Ohio. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority is a five-member independent board consisting of taxation and economic development professionals from throughout the State that is responsible for reviewing and approving applications for state tax credit assistance. The Authority also has oversight responsibilities that include monitoring and reporting the progress of approved tax credit projects.
Top | More Ohio Department of Development Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced the opening of the Ohio Department of Development's two new international offices in Sydney, Australia; and New Delhi, India, with India branch offices in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The offices are managed through the Department's Global Markets Division.
"Establishing offices in the emerging markets of Australia and India is a key step in increasing Ohio's global competitiveness," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "By establishing and strengthening Ohio's presence in these countries, we also increase our exposure to export possibilities and foreign companies looking to invest in Ohio."
The Global Markets Division promotes the export of Ohio products and services to strengthen Ohio's economy, advance its leadership position in the global marketplace, and promote Ohio as a location for foreign direct investment. The new offices bring the total of Ohio's international offices from 11 to 13. The Sydney and New Delhi offices mark Ohio's first offices in Australia and India.
"Our international offices are on the front lines of growing industries and trends in our foreign markets," said Deborah Scherer, Director of the Department's Global Markets Division. "The contacts and relationships we develop through our foreign offices often result in successful business deals and partnerships that may not have occurred without a presence in these international locations."
The offices were selected through a request for proposal process and will work under State contract. Ohio Department of Development representatives evaluated proposals and interviewed with top qualified applicants before selecting finalists. Funding for the new offices is $200,000 in total per year and was secured in the biennium budget for Fiscal Years 2008-2009.
Ohio's other international trade offices are located in Brussels, Belgium; Tokyo, Japan; Shanghai and Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; Toronto, Canada; Tel Aviv, Israel; Mexico City, Mexico; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Global Markets Division promotes the export of Ohio products and services to strengthen Ohio's economy, advance its leadership position in the global marketplace, and promote Ohio as a location for foreign direct investment. The Global Markets Division has 51 people in its Columbus headquarters and 13 international offices.
For more information about Ohio's Global Markets Division go to http://www.odod.state.oh.us/itd/
Top | More Ohio Department of Development Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Public fishing opportunities will be enhanced this spring when more than 80,000 rainbow trout, each measuring 10 to 13-inches long, are released into 45 Ohio lakes and ponds, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The releases will take place between mid March and mid-May; anglers are reminded that the daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout.
Some locations will feature special, youth-only angler events on the day of the scheduled releases. Anglers age 16 and older must have an Ohio fishing license to fish the state's public waters. The 2008-2009 fishing license can be purchased now and is required on March 1. An annual resident fishing license costs $19 and is valid through February 28, 2009. A one-day fishing license is available and may be purchased for $11 by residents or non-residents. The one-day license may also be redeemed for credit toward purchase of an annual fishing license.
Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937 may obtain a free fishing license where licenses are sold. Persons age 66 and older who were born on or after January 1, 1938, and have resided in Ohio for the past six months, are eligible to purchase the reduced cost resident senior license for $10.
Additional information about spring trout releases is available by calling toll-free 1-800-WILDLIFE. Information is also available from Division of Wildlife district offices in Akron, Athens, Columbus, Findlay and Xenia.
Top | More Ohio Department of Natural Resources News Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Claim denials from insurance companies were the number one complaint of Ohio insurance consumers in 2007, according to statistics released by the Ohio Department of Insurance.
Nearly one-third of the 7,140 consumer complaints received by the Department dealt with the denial of claims by insurance companies. There were 312 more consumer complaints filed in 2007, up from 6,828 complaints in 2006. As a result of complaint reviews, the Department saved Ohio consumers more than $10.7 million in 2007.
A closed complaint is a complaint that has been reviewed and resolved to the satisfaction of the state or jurisdiction in which it is filed. The following lists show the top five types of consumer complaints for Ohio and the United States:
Top five types of Ohio consumer complaints in 2007
Top five Ohio complaints by type of coverage
Top five types of national consumer complaints in 2007
Top five national complaints by type of coverage
A total of 222,814 nationwide consumer complaints were reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in 2007. This represents a 3.6 percent decrease from the number of nationwide consumer complaints reported during the 2006 calendar year. This information is based on the submission of closed complaint data to the NAIC from the state insurance departments. Aggregate data can be accessed on the NAIC's web site, www.naic.org.
To help avoid problems getting claims paid, the Ohio Department of Insurance offers these tips:
For more information about insurance options and tips for choosing the right coverage, go to www.insureUonline.org. Ohio consumers who would like to file a complaint against their insurance company or have questions can call the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526 and visit www.ohioinsurance.gov.
Top | More Ohio Department of Insurance News Releases
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that troopers will operate a standard OVI checkpoint to deter and intercept impaired drivers this week.
The county where the checkpoint will be held will be announced the day prior to the checkpoint, and the location will be announced the morning of the checkpoint.
"On average, there are more than 16,000 alcohol-related traffic crashes that kill more than 450 people each year in Ohio," Colonel Richard H. Collins, superintendent of the Patrol, said. "These checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving, but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways."
If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink. Don't let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.
Operational support for the sobriety checkpoints will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.
Top | More Ohio State Highway Patrol News Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Ohioans who enjoy wildlife for a variety of reasons can display their interest in conservation and habitat restoration by purchasing cardinal, bald eagle and sportsmen's license plates. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these license plates benefits the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The cardinal plate, introduced in 1997, has generated just under $7.5 million for wildlife diversity, wildlife education in the schools, and to benefit endangered species. The bald eagle plate, available since July of 1999, has provided more than $1.6 million for bald eagle restoration, habitat acquisition and management.
In 2005, the Division of Wildlife introduced four additional wildlife-oriented plates. These sportsmen's license plates, which depict white-tailed deer, wild turkey, walleye, or smallmouth bass, have grown in popularity annually. Almost 3,700 sportsmen's plates were sold in 2007, with the white-tailed deer plate the most popular.
"These license plates give Ohioans the opportunity for self-expression in terms of their affinity for outdoor recreation or to display their support for wildlife in the state," said Kendra Wecker, wildlife diversity coordinator for the division. "Either way, wildlife in the state benefits."
There are three ways to purchase the cardinal, bald eagle or sportsmen's license plates: online at www.wildplates.com, by phone at 1-888-PLATES3 or by visiting a local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Plates cost $25 above the annual registration fees, with $15 going to the Division of Wildlife.
Top | More Ohio Department of Natural Resources News Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray today met with members of the National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio (NFIB) Area Action Council in Mansfield.
The NFIB/Ohio, the statewide office for the nation's leading advocacy association for small businesses and entrepreneurs, is teaming up with Cordray to spread the word about the Treasury's interest-rate reduction program, which is being relaunched and re-tooled under the new name, "GrowNOW."
"The birth and health of small businesses are vital to Ohio 's economy," Cordray said. "NFIB members are on the front line of job creation and retention in our state. We hope to harness their insight and learn how the Treasury can do more to provide the support entrepreneurs need to survive and create new jobs."
In 2006, the latest year for which statistics are available, Ohio was home to 920,500 small businesses. Currently, 49.6 percent of privately-employed Ohioans work for small businesses. Over the last decade, 60 to 80 percent of new jobs annually have been created by small businesses.
"The unemployment rate in Ohio is 6.0 percent, while nationally it is 5.0. Our median household income lags the national median by over $2,000. It is clear that we need the kind of high quality jobs that small businesses can create. It is time for Ohioans to come together and put all hands on deck to reverse the course of Ohio 's economy by using this important tool: small business."
Recognizing the need for small business growth in Ohio , the Treasury has worked over the past year to revamp the Small Business Linked Deposit Program for today's economy. The program, established in 1983 by Ohio Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow, provides interest-rate reductions to eligible small businesses. After a bank approves a loan to a small business, the small business can apply for a linked deposit from the Treasury. The business must show that the loan is helping them to create or retain jobs and, if approved, the Treasury will invest in a CD from the bank and accept a reduced-interest rate, provided the bank passes that reduction along to the small business.
This month, the Treasury will rename the 25-year-old interest rate reduction program to GrowNOW in order to increase the program's user friendliness and better represent the program's ease of use in order to attract more applicants. But, more than the name has been changed:
These changes will allow businesses in higher paying industries to take advantage of the program savings, and the higher loan amount will allow entrepreneurs to undertake even greater growth.
Eligible small businesses must be organized for profit with fewer than 150 employees. The business must be headquartered in Ohio. Applications are available now at www.grownow.ohio.gov.
Top | More Ohio Treasurer of State News Releases
Oak Harbor, Ohio – Ohio's bald eagle nesting season is underway with at least three eagle pairs already incubating eggs, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
An eagle pair in Huron County began sitting on eggs January 28. Other pairs in Ottawa and Ashtabula counties began incubation in recent days. Wildlife biologists anticipate the Huron County eggs will hatch sometime on or around March 5.
During the recently completed mid-winter survey of bald eagles, biologists observed a record 649 birds in 70 of the state's 88 counties, with most noted along the western shore of Lake Erie. However, eagles are continuing to expand their range around the state, establishing nesting territories in central and southern Ohio.
"These growing numbers reflect the success of our bald eagle restoration program," said Mark Shieldcastle, biologist with the Division of Wildlife. "Thanks to good management and the support of Ohioans who purchased bald eagle license plates and contributed to the Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species tax check-off, these majestic birds are once again thriving in our state."
Ohio's bald eagle population grew from only four nesting pairs along the southwestern Lake Erie shore 27 years ago, to a record 150 eagle nests in 2006. In 2007, 194 eaglets were produced from 116 nests.
The Division of Wildlife staff and a dedicated group of trained volunteers monitor existing nests during the season and continue to look for nests that may as yet be undiscovered.
Active nests are located in the following 41 Ohio counties: Ashtabula (4); Brown (1); Coshocton (3); Crawford (2); Cuyahoga (1); Defiance (2); Delaware (3); Erie (12); Geauga (3); Guernsey (1); Hancock (2); Hardin (1); Harrison (1); Henry (1); Highland (1); Holmes (1); Huron (3); Knox (4); Lake (1); Licking (1); Lorain (2); Lucas (5); Mahoning (3); Marion (2); Mercer (2); Morgan (1); Muskingum (2); Noble (1); Ottawa (21); Pickaway (1); Portage (3); Putnam (1); Richland (2); Ross (3); Sandusky (19); Seneca (6); Trumbull (8); Tuscarawas (1); Wayne (2); Wood (4) and Wyandot (7).
Anyone who observes eagles building a new nest should contact the county wildlife officer or a wildlife district office. Individuals are reminded that state and federal laws protect bald eagles and their nest sites. Any type of disturbance around a nest could cause the birds to abandon the site or discourage them from using the nest in the future.
Bald eagles range over great distances until mature enough to breed at 3 to 4 years of age. They usually return to nest within 100 miles of where they were raised. Although eagles generally keep the same mate, if one of the pair should die the other will find another mate. An eagle's life span in the wild is about 15 to 20 years.
Bald eagles build huge nests in the tops of tall trees near water, often reusing the nest year after year. Nests may reach 10 feet in diameter and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. Eagles lay two to three eggs once a year. The eggs hatch in about 35 days.
The young will fly within three months, but remain under the care of the adults for another seven to 10 weeks. Immature eagles are mottled brown in color and do not acquire their signature white head and tail feathers until age 5 or 6.
The Division of Wildlife initiated the state's bald eagle restoration program in 1979. The program is partially funded by donations to the state income tax check-off for Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species. Contributions to the fund can be made by checking the appropriate line on the 1040 or the 1040 EZ 2007 state income tax forms. Donations can also be made via the Internet at www.wildohio.com. Click on the red "donate" button on the left side of the page.
The program is also funded by the sale of Ohio conservation license plates, including the bald eagle and cardinal plates. The license plates can be purchased through a deputy registrar license outlet, on the Internet at OPLATES.com, or by calling the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 1-888-PLATES3.
Top | More Ohio Department of Natural Resources News Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed an executive order that provides clear guidelines to create a more efficient and effective regulatory environment in Ohio.
Following a philosophy of "Common Sense Business Regulation," the executive order requires agencies to review existing rules and processes; to treat those affected by their rules and regulatory processes as customers and treat them consistently across regions, offices, and departments; and to consolidate regulatory rules and processes.
Additionally, the executive order directs certain cabinet agencies to designate an existing staff member as an agency regulatory ombudsman who will act as a liaison between the agency and those affected by the regulatory rules and processes.
"Regulations for conducting business in Ohio exist to promote health, safety and economic vitality," Strickland said. "A transparent, common sense approach to our state regulatory process will help us keep good-paying jobs in Ohio and make Ohio a more attractive place to bring the jobs of the future."
Required regulatory reviews will determine if existing rules are needed to implement the underlying statute and ensure consistency with federal rules and the Common Sense Business Regulation process.
After a review, state agencies must amend or rescind rules that are unnecessary, that unnecessarily impede economic growth, or that have had unintended negative consequences.
"We must act as partners to ensure Ohio's regulatory environment is flexible, respectful and responsive to Ohio's citizens and the people who do business in our state," Strickland said. "State agencies will be guided by the principle that the individuals and businesses they regulate are customers, and they will be held accountable for the quality of customer service they provide."
The executive order also outlines the approach for cabinet agencies to employ before submitting proposed rules to the Joint Committee on Agency Review (JCARR). Agencies should focus on outcome when designing or modifying a set of rules, draft rules that are easy to understand and not duplicative, and draft rules so they promote transparency, predictability, consistency, flexibility, and balance in regulatory activity.
The executive order directs agencies to work to make Ohio a more attractive place to do business by drafting rules that are the least burdensome necessary to accomplish the goals of a particular rule.
In addition, the Ohio Department of Administrative Services and the state chief information officer will establish an electronic notification system that allows interested parties to receive information regarding changes to -- or adoption of -- any rules of interest to them.
Finally, the executive order also directs state agencies to set a greater emphasis on outreach to those affected by state regulations and establishes expectations regarding agencies' approach to regulatory compliance.
The text of the governor's executive order is below:
Executive Order 2008 – 04S
Implementing Common Sense Business Regulation
Ted Strickland, Governor
ATTEST:
Jennifer Brunner, Secretary of State
Top | More Governor's Office Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Income tax filing season is again underway in Ohio – and with the new season comes yet another way for Ohio taxpayers to cut through the red tape and get a state income tax refund fast.
New for this year is eForms, a new electronic tax return filing service rolled out this year by the Ohio Department of Taxation that may be the first of its kind in the nation. It supplements I–File, an electronic tax return filing system the department has offered since 2001.
Both eForms and I–File are free. Both allow taxpayers to submit a state income tax return directly to the department at tax.ohio.gov.
The key difference is the interface. I–File relies largely on a "wizard" that builds a return for taxpayers by asking a series of questions about W–2s, dependents and other information.
Through eForms, taxpayers may complete online versions of major state income tax forms, just as they have done for years with pen and paper. The eForms are Adobe Acrobat files that will compute most of the math automatically for taxpayers. Once the forms are complete, taxpayers may print them, save them to their hard drive, or submit them directly to the department by clicking "send."
"We've had tremendous response to I–File since it was introduced. But we also recognize some taxpayers like working directly with tax forms the old–fashioned way," Tax Commissioner Richard A. Levin said. "Through eForms, we are offering the best of both worlds: tax forms that taxpayers are familiar with, and yet another way to cut to the front of the line and get a refund fast."
Filing a tax return electronically is the single fastest way to get a state income tax refund in Ohio. For taxpayers who file electronically, refunds are usually available by electronic deposit within five to seven days.
In contrast, taxpayers who file on paper close to the April 15, 2008 deadline – when the department will receive more than 100,000 returns each day – may have to wait six to eight weeks to receive a refund check by mail.
"There's no way around it: Processing paper takes time," Levin said. "Filing electronically cuts through the red tape."
In addition to I–File and eForms, the Ohio Department of Taxation offers two other ways to complete an income tax return without using a pen and paper. They include the Internal Revenue Service eFile program, available through paid preparers and common tax return software packages, and the Telefile program, available to taxpayers who filed by telephone last year.
The new eForms option is the single biggest change for the new state income tax filing season. Other major changes include:
Income tax returns due by April 15, 2008 cover the 2007 tax year. This means some recently publicized tax changes won't apply to this filing season. For example, while military pensions were exempted from the state income tax effective Jan. 1, 2008, this change doesn't affect the current filing season.
For more information on the Department of Taxation's paperless filing options, visit tax.ohio.gov.
Top | More Ohio Department of Taxation Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Aging joins with the Ohio Department of Insurance to encourage all Ohioans during February to wisely choose proper medical professionals, insurance, food, health products and healthy lifestyles. Wise Health Consumer Month, a program sponsored nationally by the American Institute of Preventive Medicine, encourages consumers to increase their knowledge and ability to make sound choices about their health care.
"Healthy, active aging begins when we maintain our good health now, by making informed choices about how we live, the products we use and the health care we receive," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Making healthy choices for yourself and your family now will greatly increase your chances for an active and vital future."
In addition to choosing a healthy lifestyle that suits your individual needs, being a wise health consumer means choosing doctors and understanding your health insurance options, such as your Medicare benefits. Medicare covers preventive care services that can help people live healthier lives, such as shots and vaccines and smoking cessation counseling.
"Understanding Medicare coverage options and how to take advantage of preventative benefits is key to feeling confident about your insurance and your health," said Mary Jo Hudson, director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. "Representatives of the department's OSHIIP program are available at 1-800-686-1578 to help you work through the complexities of Medicare and answer any questions free of charge."
"February is a great time to follow-up on those New Year resolutions and start or renew our efforts to build healthier minds and bodies," added Riley. "Smart choices we make now help us live long, healthy and productive lives."
Older Ohioans can learn more about services available and get help making healthy decisions from their area agency on aging. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.
Top | More Ohio Department of Aging Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – In an effort to improve and standardize the training of poll workers around the state, Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has unveiled an online poll-worker training program available to all county boards of elections in the state.
"Poll workers are the foot soldiers of our democracy," said Brunner, Ohio's chief elections officer. "Proper training is essential for poll workers in an elections environment that has become more complex."
The online training program, paid for partly with grant funding through the Pew Charitable Trusts, is free and voluntary for county elections boards and is intended to provide a uniform supplement to elections boards' current poll-worker training program.
The public can view the training program at www.ohioelectiontraining.com. Those preparing to become poll workers, however, will participate in the program through a dedicated Web site through their county elections board.
The online training program provides basic information that applies to all poll workers including voter identification requirements and instructions regarding provisional balloting as well as information on voting systems used in Ohio.
The $188,000 online effort was funded, in part, by $128,000 from the Pew Charitable Trusts. The state of Ohio also contributed $60,000 to the effort.
Top | More Ohio Secretary of State Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – In his State of the State address, Governor Ted Strickland today proposed a $1.7 billion jobs package, expanding access to college for high school seniors and allowing the governor to appoint a newly-created Director of the Ohio Department of Education.
Strickland outlined a $1.7 billion jobs stimulus package, Building Ohio Jobs, which will invest in job-creating industries and Ohio workers.
Through issuing bonds, the $1.7 billion Building Ohio Jobs package will create more than 80,000 good-paying jobs in Ohio and lay the foundation for future economic prosperity by investing in the state's energy economy, distribution infrastructure, biomedicine, bioproducts, public works, our downtown neighborhoods and the Clean Ohio fund.
"Building Ohio Jobs, and all these programs within it, represent a commitment to opportunity and strength," Strickland said. "It is an investment in job-creating industries, in our communities, and in our workers. And it will create opportunity today, tomorrow, and for generations."
Strickland also proposed a reorganization of the leadership structure at the Ohio Department of Education and an expansion of higher education opportunities for the state's college bound students.
In K-12 education, Strickland called for the establishment of a new position: Director of the Ohio Department of Education. Under the governor's proposal, the Director would be appointed by the governor and serve as a member of the governor's Cabinet, subject to the approval of the senate. The current State Board of Education and the state superintendent would serve in advisory and additional roles as determined by the Director of the Department of Education.
In higher education, Strickland announced that Chancellor Eric Fingerhut's 10-year strategic plan will guarantee that high-quality associate and bachelor's degrees in core fields will be available on a campus within 30 miles of every Ohioan.
Strickland also proposed the Seniors to Sophomores initiative, which directs the Chancellor to give every 12th-grader who meets the academic requirements a choice of spending their senior year in their home high school, or spending it on a University System of Ohio campus. Tuition would be free.
To honor the state's commitment to our veterans, Strickland called for the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which will consolidate Ohio's veterans' services to one agency and ensure the state is effectively providing veterans with the benefits they have earned.
"I look forward to working with the General Assembly on this effort," Strickland said. "Let us make Ohio known for its commitment to our entire military community."
In addition, Strickland urged the General Assembly to complete work on his Energy, Jobs and Progress bill as soon as possible. The plan will guarantee that electricity prices remain stable and the supply of electricity is reliable while protecting and creating jobs and establishing Ohio as a leader in advanced energy efforts.
Economy: Building Ohio Jobs, $1.7 billion Ohio Jobs Package
To respond to the state's economic challenges, Governor Strickland is proposing Building Ohio Jobs, a $1.7 billion jobs stimulus package to create more than 80,000 jobs and lay the foundation for future economic prosperity.
Through issuing bonds, the plan will invest:
Governor Strickland's Seniors to Sophomores Initiative directs the Chancellor to give every twelfth grader who meets the academic requirements a choice of spending their senior year in their home high school, or spending it on a University System of Ohio campus. Tuition would be free.
Chancellor Fingerhut's 10-year strategic plan will guarantee that high-quality associate and bachelor's degrees in core fields will be available on a campus within 30 miles of every Ohioan.
To ensure a direct line of responsibility and accountability in education, Governor Strickland is calling for the establishment of a new position: the Director of the Department of Education. The Director will be appointed by the Governor and serve as a member of his Cabinet. The existing structure of the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent would remain in place in advisory and additional roles as determined by the director.
To honor our commitment to Ohio's veterans, Governor Strickland is calling for the creation of the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs and the consolidation of the state's services to veterans in this new Cabinet-level agency.
Click here for the full text of the Governor's State of the State address.
Top | More Governor's Office Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – In a decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, residential customers of Duke Energy – Ohio will have the following opportunities to express their opinions on the utility's proposed natural gas base rate increase:
Mason – Thursday, February 21, 2008, 6:30 p.m., Mason Intermediate School, MI-45 Kiva, 6307 Mason-Montgomery Road.
Cincinnati – Monday, February 25, 2008, 3 p.m., Cincinnati City Council Chambers, 801 Plum Street, Conference Room 312.
Cincinnati – Monday, February 25, 2008, 6:30 p.m., Cincinnati City Council Chambers, 801 Plum Street, Conference Room 300.
"We encourage consumers to take these opportunities to express their thoughts about the higher natural gas rates proposed by Duke," said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers' Counsel. "Decision makers need to hear from those who will be impacted by the higher bills."
The OCC believes the proposed rate increase for Duke Energy is unreasonable. Based on the OCC's experts, nearly all of the proposed rate increase should be rejected because customers should not have to pay for many of the increased costs cited by the utility.
As part of Duke's proposal, its customer charge would nearly triple from $6 to $15 per month. In addition to the $180 per year in customer charges, Duke would impose charges leading to as much as $13.77 per month (approximately $165 per year) by 2017 to continue replacing steel pipes with plastic.
According to the OCC, the overall rate increase proposal would disproportionately impact residential customers in smaller homes or who try to be energy efficient.
The local hearings will be held by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), which regulates investor-owned natural gas utilities and makes rate decisions. The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, will attend the hearings and be available to answer residents' questions.
Sworn testimony provided by the public at the local hearings will become part of the official case and be considered as the PUCO Commissioners make a decision.
Top | More Ohio Consumers' Counsel Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Thousands of children will rely on the support of local organizations participating in Ohio's 2008 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to receive healthy meals and snacks throughout the summer months. The Ohio Department of Education (ODE), which administers the free meal program, is recruiting nonprofit sponsors and sites statewide, with a particular emphasis on expanding the program in Ohio's Appalachian counties.
"Many children rely upon federal school meals programs during the school year, and when school is out, their need for good nutrition does not end," said Susan Tave Zelman, superintendent of public instruction. "The Summer Food Service Program provides many children with the nourishment they need to continue learning and growing throughout the year."
Last summer an average of 50,000 children per day participated in SFSP, which was offered through 176 sponsors at more than 1,000 sites. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which provides cash reimbursements to sponsoring agencies that provide nutritionally adequate meals to children at sites in areas in need.
Schools and nonprofit organizations may be eligible to participate in SFSP if their program sites are in areas where 50 percent of children qualify for USDA's free and reduced-price school meals. All new sponsoring agencies will be required to attend a training program in March or April and complete the application process by May 1.
Those who are interested in becoming sponsors should see the ODE Web site, www.ode.state.oh.us, and search keywords "potential sponsor survey." For more information, call toll-free (877) 644-6338 or write to ODE, Office of Safety, Health and Nutrition, 25 S. Front St., Mail Stop 303, Columbus, OH 43215-4183. The USDA prohibits discrimination in the administration of its programs.
Top | More Department of Education Press Releases
Columbus, Ohio – Officials for Ohio's Best Rx, the state's prescription drug discount program, announced updated eligibility guidelines for Ohio families and individuals. Best Rx is open to any Ohio resident without prescription insurance coverage who is either age 60 or older (regardless of income) or under age 60 with an annual household income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level.
Under 2008 federal guidelines released this week, an individual who earns $31,200 a year ($2,600/month) is eligible for a Best Rx card. Similarly, a family of four with an annual household income of $63,600 ($5,300/month) or less per year is eligible.
"Many Ohio families and individuals are experiencing a financial crunch, struggling to deal with the high costs of heat, fuel, food and medical care," said Mary Inbody, spokesperson for Ohio's Best Rx. "Ohio's Best Rx provides much-needed relief to many who have no help with the rising costs of prescription drugs."
Ohio's Best Rx participants save an average of 34 percent on prescription drug purchases at participating pharmacies. The exact amount saved depends on the prescription and pharmacy location. The pharmacist will tell each participant both the Best Rx price and the pharmacy's usual cost; the participant will always pay the lower price.
There is no fee to participate, and interested Ohioans can apply online at www.ohiobestrx.org or by calling 1-866-923-7879. Drug pricing and participating pharmacy information are also available online or by phone.
Ohio's Best Rx is a prescription drug discount card program designed to lower the cost of prescriptions for certain Ohio residents without prescription drug insurance coverage. The program is endorsed by the Ohio AFL-CIO, America's Pharmaceutical Companies (PhRMA), the Ohio Council of Churches, the Ohio Primary Care Association and the United Way, among others. Best Rx is administered by the Ohio Department of Aging. Visit www.ohiobestrx.org.